Hailing the development of their digitalisation strategy as a game changer for smart shipping, the International Maritime Organisation’s Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has emphasised the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies such as AI and autonomous navigation, while recognizing related challenges, including cybersecurity risks and the global digital divide. 

SOUTH AFRICA: Prompted by the latest gazetting of proposed regulations aimed at the offshore bunkering industry, stakeholders have joined forces to establish the Bunkering Industry Association of South Africa (BIASA) which will represent and advocate for the interests of the sector.

SEYCHELLES: As mentioned in President Wavel Ramkalawan’s  State of the Nation Address earlier this month, the People’s Republic of China has followed through on their commitment to donate a patrol vessel to the Seychelles Coast Guard.

CÔTE D’IVOIRE: Despite efforts to address Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU) in West Africa, the problem remains an ongoing concern for the region and experts are currently meeting in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to develop a cooperation framework to improve the sustainable and integrated use of ocean resources.

MAURITIUS: Japan has pledged a grant of more than $6,5 million under the Japan Economic Social Development Programme, for the acquisition of a tugboat for Mauritius to further support the country’s maritime domain.

ANGOLA: Over $60 million in investments for upcoming projects are set to drive significant development within Angola’s oil and gas sector.

SOUTH AFRICA: Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the appointment of a terminal operator to design and transfer a multi-purpose terminal handling agricultural dry bulk and other compatible cargo in the Maydon Wharf Precinct, Port of Durban.

SOUTH AFRICA: Since its inception some 15 years ago, the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observatory (SOCCO) more than 80 ocean climate scientists, engineers and technicians are now skilled in advanced robotics, modelling, satellite remote sensing, ocean chemistry and more have been developed thanks to the investment in research by the CSIR and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).